Marco Odermatt and Franjo Von Allmen change title playing cards: GEPA footage
Info on this article was supplied by Blick (Switzerland).
From Rising Star to Goal
He turned 24 in July, however Franjo von Allmen has already climbed to the highest of alpine snowboarding’s elite. The Swiss downhill and workforce mixed World Champion enters the 2025–26 season with new stress — and the boldness to deal with it.
Final winter, von Allmen captured three World Cup victories — a super-G win in Wengen, adopted by downhills in Crans-Montana and Kvitfjell — and eight profession podiums total. He completed the season ranked second in downhill and fourth in super-G, outstanding numbers for a 23-year-old athlete nonetheless within the early levels of his profession.
Now, with Olympic yr anticipation rising, von Allmen is aware of he’s not the hunter. “There’s positively extra curiosity in me now,” he advised Blick at Swiss-Ski’s media day in Dübendorf. “However I’ve good individuals round me who take care of me.”
Managing Strain and Expectation
Von Allmen admits the highlight feels totally different this season, however he’s targeted on what he can management. “The exterior expectations are definitely there,” he mentioned. “However as an athlete, I already put sufficient stress on myself to carry out. I simply wish to reside as much as my very own requirements.”
The educated carpenter has at all times carried a grounded, easygoing angle, and that stability might show essential. Recognized for his calm presence and measured method, he appears able to show that final season’s breakthrough was no fluke.
A Summer season Value Extending
Whereas most athletes can’t look forward to winter, von Allmen admits he would have preferred the nice and cozy months to final a bit longer. “I’m the type of man who likes it heat,” he mentioned with a smile. The sentiment comes after an extended and productive low season spent between South America and Zermatt.
His coaching block in Chile featured almost good climate — virtually too good. “Generally, in that lovely climate, I used to be a little bit tempted to go to the après-ski bar,” he joked.
Even so, von Allmen used the time to sharpen his technical expertise and refine his energy and management. “I used to be nonetheless missing a bit when it comes to management,” he mentioned. “However we made nice progress.”
Threat and Rest
The Swiss standout didn’t draw back from journey throughout his low season. Like Marcel Hirscher earlier than him, he frolicked on his motocross bike — although he insists he is aware of the bounds. “It includes a certain quantity of threat, however I’m okay with that within the spring,” he defined. “Now within the fall, the bike stays within the storage.”
Between motocross rides, mountain trails, and even a pleasant soccer match, von Allmen discovered stability in each restoration and recreation. It’s clear he enjoys life as a lot as he enjoys racing — a uncommon high quality amongst elite athletes consistently below stress.
Prepared for the Subsequent Step
Regardless of his want for an extended summer season, von Allmen is aware of it’s time to shift focus. “Any longer, it’s all about getting again into racing mode,” he mentioned. Coaching in Zermatt helped him discover rhythm on snow once more, whereas high-altitude classes in South America allowed for targeted technical work.
His last preparations will happen in Copper Mountain, Colorado, the place he’ll open his World Cup season with a super-G on November 27. The race marks the beginning of his Olympic winter — the following chapter in a profession already full of pace, energy, and promise.
After a breakout yr that turned him into one in every of Switzerland’s brightest stars, Franjo von Allmen now faces the problem each champion should: proving he can do it once more. And judging by his confidence and calm power, he appears greater than prepared.
